What is an Online Purchase Scam?
Victims of this scam are often tempted by what seems like a good deal for a gadget, amusement park or concert tickets sold online. They transfer payment to the “seller” who promises delivery of the item. In some cases, sellers demand further payment for duties or delivery charges after the first payment is made. Ultimately, the victim never receives the item.
Cash-on-Delivery (COD) scam
In another variant, unsuspecting consumers or buyers who opted for COD payment may be asked to pay in cash for parcels that they did not purchase, not what they have purchased or cheap replicas.
Many of these fake sellers may pose as legitimate online sellers on popular marketplaces, create fake websites, or even placing advertisements on social media to build credibility.
Victims will realise that they have been scammed after paying for the items in cash.
- Deals that are way below market-price disguised as limited-time-only or flash deals
- High demand gadgets or items that are priced much lower
- Lack of information on the products or unstated terms and conditions
- Insists on bank transfers instead of using the platform’s payment options
- Requests to take the conversations off the shopping platform
- Do not agree to bank transfers before delivery
- Where possible, insist on cash-on-delivery or use the platform’s secure payment option
- Check that all fees are stated upfront
- Always choose to use reputable sellers when purchasing high-value items
- Report fraudulent sellers to the respective marketplaces
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